Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate Middle Dural Public School on celebrating 125 years of education for students within the federal electorate of Berowra. I had the privilege of attending the school community for their Christmas in July fundraiser and Middle Dural Public School's 125th anniversary fair in September. Middle Dural's motto is Learn to Live. The school's nurturing approach accepts each child, no matter their background, and helps them to grow to be the best they can be. With only 21 students and three teaching staff, the school provides a caring but challenging learning environment where students' creativity and natural eagerness to learn are encouraged. For example, the school has a highly original philosophy in the art program that it offers. Rather than having students learn to draw or paint an object, for instance a portrait or a still life, they study an artist and learn to produce artworks in the style of that artist. Middle Dural uses its small size to its advantage. Among other things, it allows a greater blend of student friendships and interactions across grades, and a deeper understanding of the child as an individual. I wish to acknowledge the great work of the very active Middle Dural Parents and Citizens' Association, and in particular the acting president, Ian MacArthur. I also acknowledge the work of Middle Dural's extraordinary principal, Ann Mills, whose name is synonymous with the school as she has been teaching at Middle Dural for over 40 years. I wish Middle Dural school a very, very happy 125th birthday party.

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